bathtub or shower space

D

darekelec

Senior Member
Location
nyc
is this graphic correct?
or should 3' vertical line extend to the floor?


2020 nec
(C) Bathtub and Shower Space. Receptacles shall not be
installed within a zone measured 900 mm (3 ft) horizontally
and 2.5 m (8 ft) vertically from the top of the bathtub rim or
shower stall threshold. The identified zone is all-encompassing
and shall include the space directly over tl1e tub or shower stall.
Exception: In bathrooms with less than the required zone the recepta-
cle(s) shall be permitted to be installed opposite the bathtub rim or
shower stall threshold on the Jarthest wall within the room.
 

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It clearly states top of the bathtub rim. This was changed in the 2023 NEC to include the space below the rim.
 
Also the fact that they made the change in 2023 can give some sound argument to enforcing the rule as meaning below.
 
Dennis Alwon said:
Also the fact that they made the change in 2023 can give some sound argument to enforcing the rule as meaning below.
Click to expand...
I think that it's safe to say if the adopted NEC is the 2020 you cannot enforce a code section from the 2023 NEC.
 
Bathrooms here are tiny. I have seen ones that required receptacle will land in prohibited zone no matter what.
Right now (2008 nec) inspector wants me to install receptacle for double sink in area 2020 prohibits.
 
darekelec said:
Right now (2008 nec) inspector wants me to install receptacle for double sink in area 2020 prohibits.
Click to expand...
If the job is permitted under the 2008 NEC then there is no issue. PersoaIly I think that this new rule is stupid likely changed with zero substantiation.
 
I read about a woman who tried to get rid of her husband. She plugged in a hairdryer and dropped it in a tub with the guy already in. Gfci tripped. She got couple of years.
Prolly water and drain pipes were metal so there was a return path for current.
 
darekelec said:
I read about a woman who tried to get rid of her husband. She plugged in a hairdryer and dropped it in a tub with the guy already in. Gfci tripped. She got couple of years.
Prolly water and drain pipes were metal so there was a return path for current.
Click to expand...
Remember the name? I worked with a guy who claimed his ex-wife did that to him!
 
darekelec said:
I read about a woman who tried to get rid of her husband. She plugged in a hairdryer and dropped it in a tub with the guy already in. Gfci tripped. She got couple of years.
Prolly water and drain pipes were metal so there was a return path for current.
Click to expand...
The IDCI on the cords function a bit differently for electrically isolated bodies. I believe they monitor total resistance between 2 points in the hair dryer.
 
IMO probably not. The GFCI receptacle is required to be readily accessible whether there is also branch circuit GFCI protection via a circuit breaker or not. Would the receptacle be readily accessible?
 
darekelec said:
Is 120v gfci (protected by breaker) receptacle for hydromassage allowed under bathtub in 2023 code ?
Click to expand...
Easy fix-- use a gfci dead front as a switch and locate it in the bathroom. I usually install it in a single gang box above the light switches as you enter the room.
 
Dennis Alwon said:
Easy fix-- use a gfci dead front as a switch and locate it in the bathroom. I usually install it in a single gang box above the light switches as you enter the room.
Click to expand...
Yes with your method the faceless GFCI would them be readily accessible as required.
 
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